The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has collected nomination papers on behalf of its chairperson Khaleda Zia and acting chairman Tarique Rahman for two parliamentary constituencies in Bogura. On Sunday, local BNP leaders collected the forms from the district administration offices, signaling the party’s preparation for the upcoming national election.

According to officials, district BNP president Rezaul Karim Badsha led the team collecting Tarique Rahman’s nomination papers for Bogura-6 from the district returning officer. Meanwhile, BNP chairperson’s adviser Helaluzzaman Talukder Lalu collected Khaleda Zia’s nomination papers for Bogura-7. Party leaders expressed optimism about their leaders’ participation, citing Khaleda Zia’s previous electoral victories in the area.

The move marks a symbolic step for the BNP, as both leaders have faced legal and political challenges in recent years. Party sources said final submission of the nomination papers will follow internal consultations with Tarique Rahman. The developments in Bogura are being closely watched as indicators of BNP’s broader electoral strategy and its stance against the ruling government.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has extended the application deadline for domestic observer organizations wishing to monitor the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. According to an official notice signed by Assistant Director (Public Relations) Ashadul Haque, observer groups now have until December 29 to submit their applications. The election and a national referendum are scheduled for February 12, 2025.

Under the Election Observation Policy 2025, organizations were initially required to apply within ten days of the election schedule announcement, which expired on December 21. The EC extended the deadline following requests from several observer groups. The commission also clarified that central observers will receive ID cards and vehicle stickers from the EC Secretariat, while local observers will collect theirs from respective returning officers.

Observers must submit attested copies of their educational certificates, national ID cards, and completed undertaking forms when collecting credentials. The extension aims to ensure broader participation and transparency in the electoral monitoring process.

A Mymensingh court has ordered the imprisonment of former BNP lawmaker Shah Shahid Sarwar, 65, in connection with an attack and shooting during an anti-discrimination student protest. The Chief Judicial Magistrate’s Court rejected his bail plea on Sunday after he surrendered, citing specific allegations against him. The order was issued by Judge Md Sifat Ullah of the 6th Magistrate Court, and police confirmed Sarwar’s transfer to jail following the hearing.

According to the case filed by Amir Hossain on April 15, Sarwar allegedly led an armed group that attacked protesters in Phulpur municipality, injuring the complainant with a gunshot to the head. The case was later recorded as an FIR on June 23 under court directive. Sarwar, who served as MP for Mymensingh-2 after winning the 2001 election, was expelled from the BNP in 2024 after contesting under an independent symbol.

The case underscores continuing political tensions in Bangladesh, with opposition figures facing legal scrutiny amid protests and allegations of violence. Further hearings are expected in the coming weeks.

Islami Chhatra Shibir’s central president Zahidul Islam stated that the assassination of Sharif Osman Hadi, described as a fearless fighter against dominance and corruption, cannot change the ideological foundation upon which Bangladesh stands. Speaking at a memorial discussion and prayer event organized by the Thakurgaon Development Forum in Dhaka, he said those responsible for Hadi’s death made a grave mistake and that his martyrdom has only strengthened the resolve of young revolutionaries.

The event, attended by political figures and student leaders, highlighted Hadi’s commitment to justice and sovereignty. Speakers including parliamentary candidates from Thakurgaon constituencies praised Hadi’s struggle against oppression, corruption, and authoritarianism. They asserted that his ideals would inspire future generations to continue resisting dominance and injustice.

Participants emphasized that Hadi’s death symbolizes a broader struggle for a corruption-free and equitable society. The gathering concluded with prayers seeking the highest honor for the slain activist, underscoring his enduring influence among Bangladesh’s youth movements.

Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, the Amir of Islami Andolon Bangladesh and Charmonai Pir, has called on the United Nations to take responsibility for ensuring that political killers from Bangladesh do not find refuge in neighboring India. Speaking to journalists after visiting the grave of slain leader Sharif Osman Hadi, he demanded that those involved in Hadi’s murder and other crimes under the previous government be extradited to Bangladesh for trial.

Karim emphasized that mutual respect for sovereignty is a fundamental principle of international politics and criticized what he described as India’s regional dominance. He questioned how Hadi’s killers managed to flee Bangladesh after the high-profile shooting in Dhaka. The cleric also praised the massive public turnout at Hadi’s funeral as evidence of national unity against external interference.

The statement comes amid heightened political tension and cross-border sensitivity. Observers note that the demand for UN involvement reflects growing frustration over perceived impunity and regional power dynamics. The government has yet to respond to Karim’s remarks.

Maulana Muhammad Faisal, the Central Organizing Secretary of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, has officially collected his nomination papers to contest in the upcoming national election from Dhaka-8 (Ramna–Motijheel) constituency. The nomination was collected on Sunday afternoon from the office of the Divisional Commissioner in Dhaka, marking the formal start of his campaign activities.

Party leaders including Maulana Fazlur Rahman, Maulana Zahirul Islam, Maulana Harunur Rashid, and Maulana Ruhul Amin accompanied Faisal during the submission. Party officials confirmed that Faisal has been finalized as the party’s candidate and will contest under the ‘Rickshaw’ symbol. The event drew enthusiasm among local supporters and activists.

The nomination marks Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis’s renewed effort to strengthen its political presence in Dhaka’s central constituencies. Observers note that the party’s participation could diversify the electoral competition in the capital, where major national parties traditionally dominate.

More than 200 men and women from Telihati Union in Gazipur’s Sreepur upazila formally joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Sunday. The joining ceremony took place at the residence of Professor Dr. S.M. Rafiqul Islam Bachchu, BNP’s central assistant secretary for health affairs and party candidate for Gazipur-3 constituency. The group was led by Telihati Union Parishad member Safiqul Islam and local resident Abdul Malek.

During the event, the new members presented flowers to Dr. Bachchu, expressing admiration for his leadership and the party’s nationalist ideals. Dr. Bachchu welcomed them, stating that the country is facing a deep political and democratic crisis, and that citizens’ spontaneous participation reflects trust in the BNP. He emphasized that such grassroots involvement would strengthen the movement to restore democracy.

Local BNP leaders, including Mosleh Uddin Mridha and Nurul Amin Akand, attended the event. Party officials described the mass joining as a sign of growing public confidence ahead of future political mobilizations in the region.

BNP Chairperson’s adviser Lion Aslam Chowdhury has officially collected nomination papers to contest from Chattogram-4 (Sitakunda) constituency in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The papers were collected on his behalf by Mohammad Morsalin, former president of the North District Jubo Dal, from the office of the Divisional Commissioner and Returning Officer in Chattogram on Sunday afternoon.

Several local BNP leaders and activists were present during the submission, including Sitakunda Upazila BNP convener Dr. Kamal Kader, municipal BNP convener Zakir Hossain, and former district committee members. Their presence signaled strong local organizational support for Chowdhury’s candidacy.

As the election approaches, major political parties are accelerating their nomination processes across Bangladesh. Chowdhury’s move reflects BNP’s efforts to strengthen its position in key constituencies of Chattogram, a region historically significant in national politics. The final list of candidates is expected to be confirmed following scrutiny by the Election Commission later this month.

The interim government of Bangladesh has officially established eight regional tribunals dedicated to preventing and addressing enforced disappearances across the country. A gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs confirmed that the tribunals will operate separately in each of the eight administrative divisions, including Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Khulna, Barishal, and Mymensingh. The order, signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Ashek-ur Rahman, states that the decision takes immediate effect under the authority of the Enforced Disappearance Prevention and Remedy Ordinance, 2025.

The creation of these tribunals marks a significant institutional step toward addressing long-standing concerns over disappearances and ensuring accountability. Human rights observers have long urged the government to establish independent mechanisms to investigate such cases. Legal experts note that the division-based structure could help streamline case management and improve access to justice for victims’ families.

Implementation details, including staffing and procedural rules, are expected to follow soon. The move is being closely watched by civil society and international partners as a test of Bangladesh’s commitment to human rights reforms.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia is set to contest the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election from the Feni-1 constituency, covering Fulgazi, Parshuram, and Chhagalnaiya. On Monday afternoon, BNP National Executive Committee member Abu Taleb collected the nomination papers on her behalf from the district returning officer’s office in Feni.

Local BNP leaders, including members of the Nationalist Lawyers’ Forum, were present during the submission. Abu Taleb stated that Feni-1 is Khaleda Zia’s home constituency, where she has been elected five times consecutively. He added that residents are eager to see her return to Parliament, expressing optimism about a strong voter turnout in her favor.

The announcement has energized BNP supporters in the area, with local leaders expressing confidence that Khaleda Zia could secure a sweeping victory if the election environment remains fair. Another nomination paper was also collected for Dhaka BNP convener Rafiqul Alam Majnu, signaling potential intra-party competition within the constituency.

Bangladesh Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah announced that joint forces will continue regular operations to maintain law and order ahead of the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election and referendum. Speaking at a law enforcement briefing in Agargaon, Dhaka, he stated that the operations are ongoing and will be reported through regular press briefings. According to him, around 2,000 individuals are being arrested daily as part of the security drive.

Earlier, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin chaired a high-level meeting with senior officials from the armed forces, police, and intelligence agencies to review the overall security situation. The meeting included the chiefs of the army, navy, and air force, as well as top representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs and other security agencies.

The Election Commission’s decision signals an intensified security approach as Bangladesh prepares for a politically sensitive election period. Observers note that the coordination between civil and military authorities aims to prevent unrest and ensure a peaceful voting environment.

Speakers at a discussion organized by the Civil Coalition in Dhaka on December 21 stressed that the interim government must guarantee security to hold what it calls the 'best election in history.' Participants from various political and civic groups warned that without robust law enforcement and accountability, public trust in the electoral process cannot be restored. They emphasized that both the Election Commission and the government share responsibility for ensuring voter confidence and safety.

Leaders from Jamaat-e-Islami, BNP, Ganosamhati Andolon, Ganaodhikar Parishad, and the AB Party voiced concerns about political violence, unlicensed weapons, and the failure to arrest perpetrators of recent killings. Rights activists, including Shahidul Alam and Irene Khan, also called for stronger institutional reforms. Several speakers criticized the government’s claim of lacking funds for CCTV installations, calling it an excuse for inaction.

Analysts warn that continued insecurity could undermine the legitimacy of the upcoming election. They urged political unity and police accountability to prevent further destabilization and ensure a transparent, participatory vote.

Police in Jhalakathi have arrested Afzal Hossain Rana, former mayor of Jhalakathi Municipality and ex-joint general secretary of the district Awami League, in connection with a case filed under the Explosives Act. He was detained on Sunday morning by the district Detective Branch (DB) officers as he exited the Deputy Commissioner’s office, where he had gone to renew his firearm license. After initial questioning at the DB office, he was handed over to Sadar Police Station.

Authorities later produced Rana before a court, which ordered his imprisonment pending further investigation. DB Inspector Md Touhiduzzaman confirmed the arrest, stating that it was made under an existing explosives case. Rana previously served two terms as the district Awami League’s organizational and joint general secretary.

The arrest has drawn local attention given Rana’s political background. Officials have not disclosed details of the explosives case, and no comment has yet been issued by the Awami League’s district leadership. Further legal proceedings are expected in the coming days.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar has urged the Bangladeshi government to issue a clear statement on the arrest and trial of those responsible for the killing of Inqilab Moncho spokesperson and July revolutionary fighter Sharif Osman Bin Hadi. Speaking at a prayer gathering in Dhaka’s Moghbazar, Porwar also called on Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus to fulfill the promises he made during Hadi’s funeral.

Porwar expressed solidarity with Inqilab Moncho’s 24-hour ultimatum to the government to apprehend the perpetrators. He questioned how the attackers managed to flee the country within hours of the incident and demanded an investigation into possible complicity within intelligence agencies. Other party leaders and Hadi’s brother, Omar Bin Hadi, echoed the call for justice and urged unity in realizing Hadi’s vision for a just and sovereign Bangladesh.

The event, attended by senior Jamaat leaders and supporters, concluded with prayers for Hadi’s soul and appeals for swift government action to ensure accountability and transparency in the murder investigation.

An emergency press briefing called by Bangladesh’s Ministry of Home Affairs to update the public on national law and order developments took place Sunday evening without the attendance of the Home Affairs Adviser, Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury. The briefing was instead conducted by senior officials from the Dhaka Metropolitan Police and Border Guard Bangladesh, who discussed the ongoing ‘Devil Hunt Phase-2’ operation and recent security improvements.

Earlier in the day, ministry spokesperson Faisal Hasan had confirmed that the adviser would address journalists directly. His absence, however, drew attention from reporters and observers, as the session had been announced as a high-level update on internal security. Officials did not provide a reason for his nonappearance.

The briefing highlighted continued coordination among law enforcement agencies to maintain stability ahead of upcoming national events. Analysts suggest the adviser’s absence may raise questions about communication within the ministry, though operational updates indicate that security initiatives remain active and coordinated.